We make promises to ourselves; new year resolutions, changes we decide to bring about after having gone through a difficult period, commitment to ourselves after having made a mistake or it could be that in a moment of inspired motivation that we have decided to live in a certain way.

Making a promise to ourselves is knowing the right thing to do; keeping it is defines who we are.

If the promises we have made is the right thing for us, why do we find it so difficult to keep them? The answer lies in understanding the way our own mind tricks us.

At the time of making the promise, our mind is very clear and we absolutely know it is the right thing for us. We feel confident and sure that we will now live differently having made the decision. But soon the mind realises that the promise is a new boundary condition that has been imposed upon it and will seek the first opportunity to break free and back to its old way of doing things.

Our daily reminder to ourselves helps keep promises. We need to keep reinforcing the commitment till it becomes an unshakeable conviction.

Our daily review helps us know where we have slipped up during the day, enabling us to course-correct at the earliest. A ship that is off course by even 1 degree may find itself on a different continent if not checked in time.

Rewarding ourselves when we keep to our own word keeps us motivated. Similarly, giving the mind consequences for breaking a promise helps keep us in check.

Most importantly, taking time off and reflecting on what that promise will do for us, visualising the life we can build for ourselves if we keep to our promises, keeps us motivated. It’s not the promise, but what it can potentially do for us that keeps us inspired.

Keeping a promise made to others builds our reputation. Keeping a promise made to ourselves builds our character. Not only do we start trusting ourselves, but we also become trustworthy in the eyes of others. Promises made to ourselves are equally important.

Making a promise is easy, keeping it may need us to make some sacrifices. But in our moment of weakness, temptation, challenges and prosperity, let us not sacrifice the promises we have made to ourselves.

(Picture-Mango tree in our garden. Nature never fails to keep Her promise)